Where to buy Canon ink and what type your printer needs
Canon printers use one of two ink systems: individual cartridges (one per color) or a single multi-color cartridge. Before you buy, you need to know which one your printer uses and the exact cartridge number. The easiest way is to look at your printer's manual or search the model number on Canon's website — the model is usually on a sticker inside the printer's access door or on the back.
You can buy Canon ink from office supply stores like Staples or Office Depot, online retailers like Amazon, or directly from Canon's website. Prices vary widely depending on whether you buy genuine Canon cartridges or third-party alternatives. Genuine cartridges cost more but come with a warranty. Third-party cartridges are cheaper but may not work with all printers, especially newer models with chip readers that reject non-Canon ink.
Write down your cartridge number before you shop — it looks something like PG-245 or CL-246. Having the exact number prevents you from buying the wrong cartridge and saves a return trip.
Key Takeaways
- Find your printer model number on a sticker inside the access door or on the back, then search it on Canon's website to see which cartridges your printer uses.
- Individual cartridge printers have separate tanks for each color; multi-cartridge printers use one cartridge with all colors mixed inside.
- Open the printer's access door, remove the empty cartridge by pressing the clip or lever, and slide the new one in until it clicks.
- Run a cleaning cycle from your printer's menu after installing new ink to clear air from the lines and prevent streaky prints.
- If your printer shows an error after installing new cartridges, remove them, clean the metal contacts with a dry cloth, and reinstall.
How to open your printer and locate the cartridge slot
Turn off your Canon printer and wait 30 seconds. This prevents electrical damage to the cartridge contacts and gives the printer time to move the cartridge holder to the access position. On most Canon models, the cartridge holder moves automatically when you open the access door — you do not need to move it by hand.
Open the access door on the front or top of your printer. On inkjet models, this is usually a hinged panel that swings down or to the side. You will see the cartridge holder, which looks like a plastic frame with slots for one or more cartridges. The holder may be in the center of the printer or along one edge, depending on your model.
If the cartridge holder does not move when you open the door, turn the printer back on and press the power button once. Many Canon printers move the holder to the center position when powered on. Wait for the movement to stop before proceeding.
Removing the empty cartridge
Locate the cartridge you need to replace. On individual cartridge systems, each slot is labeled with a color — black, cyan, magenta, or yellow. On multi-cartridge systems, there is usually only one cartridge to replace. Look for a small clip or lever next to the cartridge you are removing.
Press the clip or lever toward the cartridge. You will hear a click, and the cartridge will pop slightly out of its slot. Grasp the cartridge by its sides (not the nozzle or metal contacts) and pull it straight out. Do not touch the metal contacts on the bottom or the nozzle on the front — oils from your skin can block ink flow.
Set the empty cartridge aside. If you plan to recycle it, many office supply stores accept empty Canon cartridges for free. Some retailers also offer a small discount on new cartridges when you return the empty one.
Installing the new cartridge
Remove the new cartridge from its packaging. Check that the protective tape or plastic cap on the nozzle (the part that sprays ink) is still in place — if it is missing, the cartridge may have dried out. Do not remove this tape yet.
Hold the cartridge by its sides and align it with the empty slot. The cartridge will only fit one way — the shape of the cartridge and the slot are designed to prevent you from inserting it backward. Slide the cartridge straight into the slot until you feel resistance, then push firmly until you hear a click. The click means the cartridge is locked in place.
Now remove the protective tape or cap from the nozzle. Pull it straight out — do not twist or peel it, as this can damage the nozzle. You should see a small plastic tab or string attached to the tape; pull that to release the tape completely.
Running a cleaning cycle to prepare the ink system
Close the access door. Turn the printer back on if it is not already running. The printer will automatically detect the new cartridge and may display a message on the screen or on your computer.
Open your printer's menu. On most Canon models, you do this by pressing the Menu button on the printer itself, or by opening the printer settings on your computer. Look for an option called "Maintenance," "Cleaning," or "Head Cleaning." Select it and choose "Normal" or "Standard" cleaning — do not choose "Deep" or "Thorough" unless the printer is printing with streaks or missing colors.
The cleaning cycle takes two to five minutes. During this time, you will hear the printer moving and spraying ink. This is normal. When the cycle finishes, the printer will return to its ready state. Print a test page to confirm the new cartridge is working. Most printers have a "Print Test Page" option in the Maintenance menu.
Troubleshooting when the printer does not recognize the new cartridge
If your printer displays an error message like "Cartridge Error" or "Cartridge Not Recognized" after you install a new cartridge, the most common cause is a dirty contact. The metal contacts on the bottom of the cartridge or inside the printer slot can accumulate dust or ink residue, preventing the printer from reading the cartridge.
Remove the cartridge again and inspect the metal contacts on the bottom. You will see four or eight small gold or silver squares. Wipe these contacts gently with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth — a coffee filter or eyeglass cloth works well. Do the same for the contacts inside the printer slot if you can see them. Reinstall the cartridge and turn the printer on.
If the error persists, the cartridge itself may be defective. Return it to the store where you bought it with your receipt. Most retailers will exchange a defective cartridge on the spot. If you bought it online, contact the seller for a return label.
What to do if ink is leaking or the printer prints with streaks
Leaking usually happens when the protective tape was not fully removed from the nozzle, or when the cartridge was installed at an angle. Remove the cartridge, check that the nozzle is completely exposed (no tape remaining), and reinstall it straight into the slot. Run the cleaning cycle again.
Streaky or faded printing after installing a new cartridge is normal for the first few pages — the cleaning cycle clears air from the ink lines. If streaks continue after ten pages, run another cleaning cycle. If the problem persists after two cleaning cycles, the cartridge may be defective or the nozzle may be clogged. Remove the cartridge, wipe the nozzle gently with a damp cloth, and reinstall it. Run one more cleaning cycle before deciding the cartridge is faulty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use third-party or refilled cartridges in my Canon printer?
Third-party cartridges work in many Canon printers, but newer models with chip readers may reject them. Check your printer's manual or Canon's website to see if third-party cartridges are supported. Refilled cartridges are cheaper but carry a higher risk of leaking or not being recognized. If you choose to use them, buy from a reputable seller and keep your receipt in case you need to return them.
How do I know when my cartridge is empty?
Your printer will display a low-ink warning on the screen or send a message to your computer. You can also check the cartridge level in your printer's menu under "Ink Level" or "Cartridge Status." Some printers show a visual indicator on the cartridge itself — a small window where you can see the ink level. You do not have to wait until the cartridge is completely empty to replace it; replacing it when you see the warning prevents print quality from dropping.
What should I do with empty cartridges?
Most office supply stores like Staples, Office Depot, and Best Buy accept empty Canon cartridges for free recycling. Some retailers offer a small discount (usually $1 to $3) on new cartridges when you return empties. You can also mail cartridges to Canon's recycling program — search "Canon cartridge recycling" on their website for a prepaid shipping label.
Why is my printer still showing low ink after I installed a new cartridge?
The printer's ink-level sensor may not have reset. Turn the printer off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. If the message persists, remove the cartridge, clean the metal contacts with a dry cloth, and reinstall it. If the low-ink warning continues, the sensor may be faulty — contact Canon support or take the printer to a service center.
Can I leave a cartridge out of the printer if I do not use that color?
No. All cartridge slots must have a cartridge installed, even if you rarely print in a particular color. The printer needs all cartridges present to function. If a slot is empty, the printer will display an error and refuse to print. If you do not use a color, you can still leave the cartridge in place — it will not dry out as long as the printer is turned off when not in use.